December 15

Max Yasgur was an American dairy farmer best remembered for hosting the historic Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969. Born in 1919 in New York, his farm became the site of the iconic three-day festival celebrating peace and music. Despite opposition from neighbors and local authorities, he championed the event, attracting over 400,000 attendees. Yasgur's support made Woodstock possible, cementing his place in music history. After the festival, he returned to farming and remained a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. He died in 1973, leaving behind a legacy tied to one of music's most legendary gatherings.

Alan Freed was an American radio disc jockey who popularized the term "rock and roll." Born in 1921 in Pennsylvania, he began his radio career in Cleveland in the late 1940s. Freed introduced rhythm and blues music to mainstream white audiences through his radio shows. He organized the first major rock concert, the Moondog Coronation Ball, in 1952. Despite later controversies, his influence on music broadcasting was profound and lasting. He died in 1965, but remains a pioneer of early rock radio.

Pierre Cossette was an American producer and entertainment executive best known for bringing the Grammy Awards to television. Born in 1923 in Quebec, Canada, he moved to the U.S. and built a career in Broadway and television. Cossette produced multiple live events, including the Academy Awards and the Grammy telecasts, earning numerous Emmy nominations. He founded Cossette Productions and managed top artists and shows. His innovations in televised award ceremonies shaped modern entertainment media. Cossette passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy as a pioneering showman.

Donald Woods served as the editor of the Daily Dispatch in East London, where he used his platform to challenge the injustices of apartheid. After befriending Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko, Woods published a biography titled 'Biko' that detailed the circumstances surrounding Biko’s death in police custody. Facing government persecution, he was forced into exile in Britain, from where he continued to campaign against apartheid. Woods played a key role in the production of the Oscar-nominated film 'Cry Freedom', which brought international attention to South Africa’s struggle. His courageous journalism and activism inspired global support for the anti-apartheid movement.

George Donikian is an Australian journalist and television presenter whose career began in the 1970s. Born in Melbourne to Greek and Armenian parents, he started at the ABC before moving to commercial networks like Seven and Ten. Donikian has covered major sporting events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and AFL finals, and has hosted nightly news bulletins. Known for his clear reporting style and versatility, he has also worked as a media trainer and mentor. His adaptability and longevity have made him a respected figure in Australian broadcasting.

Tim Webster is an Australian journalist and sportscaster whose career spans radio and television. He began in radio before joining the Seven Network as a sports presenter, covering events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Later, Webster moved to Network Ten and the Nine Network, anchoring nightly news bulletins and sports segments. He is known for his engaging style and deep knowledge of multiple sports, and has hosted live broadcasts of marquee events such as the Melbourne Cup and AFL Grand Finals. In recent years, Webster has mentored young journalists and contributed to sports documentaries, becoming a trusted voice in Australian media.

Alex Cox is an English filmmaker whose offbeat work gained a cult following. He wrote and directed Repo Man (1984), a punk-infused sci-fi comedy, and Sid and Nancy (1986). Cox has also acted in and produced independent films, showcasing his DIY ethos. As a writer, he has published non-fiction books on cinema and broadcast radio programs about film. His academic work includes teaching film studies at various universities in the UK and Mexico. Cox's style often merges social commentary with surreal humor and pop culture references. He remains an influential figure in alternative cinema and continues to produce independent projects.

John Lee Hancock (born 1956) is an American screenwriter, director, and producer celebrated for his uplifting true-story adaptations. He wrote the screenplay for 'The Alamo' and directed box-office hits such as 'The Rookie' and 'The Blind Side', the latter earning Sandra Bullock an Academy Award. Hancock also directed 'Saving Mr. Banks', exploring the making of Disney's 'Mary Poppins'. His films often explore themes of perseverance, family, and redemption. With a career spanning over three decades, he continues to craft character-driven stories that resonate with audiences.

Mike McAlary (1957–1998) was an American journalist celebrated for his hard-hitting and gritty reporting style. He wrote impactful columns for the New York Daily News, tackling crime, politics, and social issues with vivid narrative flair. McAlary won the Pulitzer Prize in 1998 for his series exposing police brutality, cementing his reputation for uncompromising investigative journalism. He also authored books including 'Baghdad Blogger', showcasing his versatility as a writer. McAlary’s legacy endures as a model of passionate and fearless journalism.

Carlo J. Caparas (born 1958) is a Filipino filmmaker and producer who began his career as a comic strip artist before transitioning to cinema and television. He gained fame by adapting his comic stories into successful films and TV series that resonated with mass audiences. Caparas directed numerous movies in multiple genres, often featuring folk heroes and dramatic narratives. His productions pioneered the mass-market 'pito-pito' film format in the 1980s and 1990s. He has received awards for his contributions to Philippine cinema and popular culture, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Born in 1961, Resetarits began her career as a television journalist and producer for Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF, earning acclaim for her investigative reporting. Transitioning to politics in the early 2000s, she was elected to the European Parliament in 2004, representing the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe until 2014. During her tenure, she focused on human rights, transparency, and media freedom. A vocal advocate for gender equality and social issues, Resetarits blended her media expertise with legislative work to shape EU policy debates.

Adam Setliff is a former American discus thrower who represented the United States at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. He secured a silver medal at the 2003 Pan American Games and set personal bests that ranked him among the world’s top throwers. Following his athletic career, Setliff earned a law degree and joined a leading law firm specializing in commercial litigation. His journey from elite sports to the courtroom exemplifies a commitment to discipline and excellence. Setliff also remains active in sport as a mentor for aspiring athletes.